Archive for the ‘Free to Air’ Category
Free to Air Receivers
When you hear the words, “Free to Air”, what comes to mind? Many people in societies all over the world are oblivious of the term “Free to Air,” also identified by the letters “FTA.” They may have heard of Dish Satellite, Direct TV and others, but are they aware that “Free to Air” is responsible for sending unencrypted radio and television broadcasting through a suitable receiver? Direct TV and Dish satellite have totally different encryptions; however, some FTA receivers will work with existing Dish Network Satellites.
Free to Air, in some cases, is delivered by means of satellite television; however, in a lot of other parts of the world, FTA television channels are transmitting unencrypted signals on the well-known UHF or VHF bands. FTA receivers are quickly becoming the choice for satellite television for various reasons, none more pertinent then the ability to give users free satellite television. You simply plug in a FTA receiver, position your dish and you’re ready to watch free satellite TV. Yes, one can legally receive a television signal without a subscription.
The signal is usually encoded in an MPEG-2 video, which is widely used as the format of digital television signals that broadcast by terrestrial, cable and direct broadcast satellite TV systems; yet, could be restricted due to geographical locations. You may ask, what’s the catch? Well, there is no catch because hundreds and thousands of people are utilizing FTA to receive thousands of channels, free of charge!
However, you will be left with the responsibility of acquiring a standard DTV compliant dish which can be found in your neighborhood electronic store. The C-band and K-band dishes will be compatible with your FTA receiver. What a luxury to have over a thousand satellite channels without a monthly bill.
For those who are seriously interested in going FTA, it is recommended that they purchase their product from a manufacturer that has an established reputation in developing the equipment. There are a number of FTA receivers to choose from, like the popular Viewsat versions, the Pansat and the Fortec. Before going to purchase a FTA receiver, you should know if the receiver features interfaces for S-video and Dolby Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect. Using a FTA receiver does require some factors to consider before purchasing. The two listed above are the most popular; nevertheless, a FTA receiver ought to also feature a Blind Search Power Scan in order to identify the different channels from a single satellite. And even more importantly, the receiver must be equipped with On Screen Displays.
On Screen Displays are responsible for generating a superimposed image on a screen picture. They are often used by modern television, VCR’s and DVD players to display information such as the well-needed volume, channel and time features. As one can see, there are some advantages and disadvantages in using a FTA receiver for your viewing and listening pleasures.
Last but not least, in order to maximize the use of your receiver, it is essential that you assess the entire array of features needed before purchasing, installing and using them in the comfort of your home.